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Picture of Zanzibar, Tanzania

Travel Guide for
Zanzibar

Tanzania

Tropical, warm, humid, two rainy seasons

Introduction

Zanzibar, a stunning archipelago off Tanzania’s coast, blends Swahili, Arab, and European influences, making it a vibrant cultural hub. Stone Town, the island’s historic heart, features winding alleys, bustling markets, and fascinating architecture, all happily explored under November’s warm weather—expect sunny days and pre-monsoon breezes, ideal for work and play.

For digital nomads, cozy cafés with reliable Wi-Fi line the beachfront, offering scenic spots to work between dips in the turquoise Indian Ocean. Affordable guesthouses and co-working spaces cater to remote workers, while evenings can be spent sampling street food or savoring a sunset dhow cruise.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleDigital nomad

Dates07-12 November 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel, apartment or house, homestay

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturenightlife and entertainmentoutdoor adventuresfestivals and eventssightseeing and toursvolunteeringgastronomy

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Picture of Zanzibar, Tanzania

Key Facts

Location

East Africa, Indian Ocean

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Religion

Islam (dominant), Christianity, Hinduism

Population

1,800,000

Language

Swahili, English, Arabic

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, Type G/D plug

Time zone

UTCEAT (UTC+3)

Country code

+255

Internet access

Widespread 4G/3G mobile, WiFi in hotels/cafes

Climate

Tropical, warm, humid, two rainy seasons

Language:

Swahili

  • hello

    jambo (jam-bo)
  • goodbye

    kwa heri (kwa he-ri)
  • yes

    ndiyo (n-dee-yo)
  • no

    hapana (ha-pa-na)
  • how much

    hii ni bei gani? (hee nee bay ga-ni)
  • please

    tafadhali (ta-fa-dha-li)
  • thank you

    asante (a-san-te)
  • excuse me

    samahani (sa-ma-ha-ni)

Map

Logistics

The easiest way to reach Zanzibar is by flying. There are direct international flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), or you can catch a domestic flight from Dar es Salaam or Nairobi—both are quick and affordable options for digital nomads. Alternatively, the ferry from Dar es Salaam is budget-friendly and takes about two hours.

There are no trains directly to Zanzibar since it’s an island, but you can take buses to Dar es Salaam, then proceed by ferry or plane. From November 7 to 12, expect hot and sometimes rainy weather, which can occasionally affect ferry schedules; flights are usually more reliable during these months. No visa is needed for most short-term stays, but check for updated entry requirements.

Weather

Zanzibar enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, with average temperatures between 25°C and 32°C (77°F–90°F). There are two main rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains in November and December. Sunshine is abundant outside rainy periods, making it great for sightseeing, outdoor adventures, and beach activities.

From November 7 to November 12, you can expect mostly warm, humid days with occasional short but heavy showers as the short rainy season begins. Rainfall is typically brief, so planned festivals, nightlife, and cultural tours generally continue uninterrupted. Extreme weather events, such as storms or flooding, are rare but possible during this transition.

Food & Drink

Zanzibar’s cuisine blends Swahili, Arabic, and Indian influences, with must-try dishes like Zanzibari biryani, octopus curry, and urojo (a spicy soup). Fresh tropical fruit juices and spiced teas are refreshing local drinks. Don’t miss street food at Forodhani Night Market for authentic flavors and an affordable atmosphere.

For digital nomads, cafes like Café Turki and Puzzle Coffee Shop in Stone Town offer good Wi-Fi and casual coworking vibes. Local restaurants such as Lukmaan and Passing Show serve delicious, budget-friendly local meals. Tipping isn’t mandatory but rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% is appreciated.

Vegetarians will find many options, but always check for hidden meat or seafood ingredients. During Ramadan, note that some restaurants may have limited hours, so plan accordingly.

Accommodation

For digital nomads on an average budget, Stone Town is ideal for its central location and WiFi-friendly cafes; check out Four Points by Sheraton for comfort or Kholle House for charm. Apartments like Emerson on Hurumzi provide local character and historic flair. Booking.com and Airbnb offer a variety of apartments and reliable homestays—search for “WiFi” and “desk” filters.

Nungwi and Kendwa, in the north, have beachfront hotels and guesthouses perfect for relaxation after work, such as The Z Hotel or Flame Tree Cottages. November is shoulder season, so prices are moderate, but book early to secure good internet and workspace amenities, as remote-work travelers often fill the best spots quickly.

Itinerary

Begin your Zanzibar journey by soaking up the island’s vibrant history and Swahili culture, exploring its UNESCO-listed heritage and bustling urban energy.

Historic Walking Tour of Stone Town

Kick off your adventure by exploring the UNESCO-listed streets of Stone Town. Discover famous sites like the House of Wonders, Sultan's Palace, and Old Fort while soaking up the town’s unique blend of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences. A local guide will enrich your experience with fascinating stories and insights.

Visit the Old Slave Market & Anglican Cathedral

Gain a deeper understanding of Zanzibar’s complex past at the Old Slave Market and the Anglican Cathedral. Explore the haunting underground chambers and learn about the slave trade’s powerful history and the island’s journey to abolition. Guided tours are both informative and moving.

Forodhani Night Market Culinary Experience

As evening arrives, stroll to Forodhani Garden to savor Zanzibar’s famed street food. Sample fresh seafood, Zanzibari pizza, and sugarcane juice as the waterfront buzzes with locals and travelers. It’s a lively introduction to Swahili gastronomy and nightlife.

Zanzibar Slave Routes Tour: The Original Walking Tour

Zanzibar Slave Routes Tour: The Original Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Once upon a time, Stone Town was the hub to one of the world’s last open slave markets, and one of the biggest slave markets in the world; the Swahili Coast presided over by Arab traders was active until it was shut down by the British in 1873. The slaves were shipped here in dhows from the mainland, crammed so tightly that many fell ill and died or were thrown overboard. Uncover the ancient slavery past on this tour as this excursion begins at the Dhow Harbour in Malindi, where slave ships brought their human cargo from Bagamoyo to Zanzibar. Then discover Livingstone’s House and House of Tippu Tip, explore the home of the notorious Arab slave trader and then on to the Anglican Church built at the old slave market. A short drive to Mbweni will bring you to Mbweni ruins, formerly a school for freed slave girls. Explore Mangapwani slave caves. Walk through the caves, which stored hundreds of slaves kept waiting for the monsoons and the arrival of the dhows to be exiled away from home.

4.0 (3 reviews)

From $125 USD

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Experiences

Culture Week in Tanzania
animals

Culture Week in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$495/week

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English Teaching in Tanzania
teaching

English Teaching in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$370/week

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Environmental Conservation in Tanzania
volunteering

Environmental Conservation in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$370/week

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Maasai Tribal Immersion in Tanzania
volunteering

Maasai Tribal Immersion in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$430/week

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Empowering Village Women in Tanzania
volunteering

Empowering Village Women in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$370/week

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Medical Experience in Tanzania
learning

Medical Experience in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$615/week

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Attractions

4.3 (42 reviews)
Full-Day Blue Lagoon and Sandbank Boat Tour from Zanzibar ( Safari blue)

Full-Day Blue Lagoon and Sandbank Boat Tour from Zanzibar ( Safari blue)

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Escape the city crowds for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on a beautiful Sandbank and the tropical Blue Lagoon, Enjoy a fun and relaxing day out on a shared traditional dhow. Enjoy delicious fresh Seafood Lunch with a sip of local drinks

From $110 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Starfish Adventure; Blue Lagoon; The Rock; Kuza Cave, Salaam Cave

Starfish Adventure; Blue Lagoon; The Rock; Kuza Cave, Salaam Cave

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy an exciting active day out in Zanzibar with this full day combo package, ideal for couples and families! Save time and optimize a good value for money. Discover Starfish beach, a quiet and relaxing Starfish spot great for both kids and adults! Enjoy Snorkeling at Blue Lagoon Atoll Zanzibar! Visit The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar! One of the most iconic views of Zanzibar! Explore the hidden beauty of Kuza Cave, an underwater cave system in Zanzibar. Swim with Sea Turtles in the Hidden Beauty of Salaam Cave, Kizimkazi Beach — Where Adventure Meets Serenity. We have exclusive surprise added values, free upgrades, and extras to make sure that this excursion is your special getaway in Zanzibar.

From $140 USD

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4.2 (39 reviews)
A Day Trip To Mikumi fly from Zanzibar

A Day Trip To Mikumi fly from Zanzibar

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The Mikumi flood plain dominates the park, where lion is commonly seen as are packs of wild dog, a rarity elsewhere in Africa. Leopard, Giraffe, elephant, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, eland, crocodiles, monitor lizard and python are some of the many inhabitants of Mikumi.

From $585 USD

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4.3 (26 reviews)
From Zanzibar Day Safari Tour to Mikumi National Park

From Zanzibar Day Safari Tour to Mikumi National Park

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

A real safari experience as a day trip from Zanzibar to Mikumi National park. the fourth largest National park in Tanzania, famous for its healthy populations of elephants and buffaloes which can easily be spotted out on the plains. The tamarind trees are a favorite spot for elephants and giraffes who spend hours eating the fruits

From $471 USD

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4.2 (6 reviews)
Mnemba Snorkeling; Kuza Cave; Paje Beach; The Rock; Salaam Cave

Mnemba Snorkeling; Kuza Cave; Paje Beach; The Rock; Salaam Cave

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Squeeze Five Zanzibar's top attractions into a single active full day private tour. Save time and optimize a good value for money. Explore Mnemba Island Atoll Zanzibar! Enjoy Snorkeling, swim with playful Dolphins, and relax on a shallow water Sandbank. Explore amazing atmosphere of Kuza cave as Culture Centre of Zanzibar!!! Swim with your special one on a clear crystal water! Visit majestic Zanzibar beaches in Paje, feel the serenity on beautiful Paje beach, the white sand and calm waves, and feel the true beach paradise on Paje beach. Visit The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar! One of the most iconic views of Zanzibar! Swim with Sea Turtles in the Hidden Magic of Salaam Cave — Just off Kizimkazi Beach. Crystal waters. Gentle giants. Pure Zanzibar magic.

From $130 USD

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5.0 (3 reviews)
Zanzibar Spice Tour; Stone Town with Lunch; Prison Island Tour.

Zanzibar Spice Tour; Stone Town with Lunch; Prison Island Tour.

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Spend an exciting active day out in Zanzibar with this full day combo package, ideal for couples and families! Save time and optimize a good value for money. Explore, dazzle and sense tropical spices and herbs at Zanzibar’s Tropical Spice Garden. Enjoy lunch break experience! Come hungry, leave inspired, and let the magic of Spice Farm linger long after your last meal. Discover the soul of Stone Town on this comfortable, 02-Hour Tour. Discover natural beauty of Prison Island!!! We have exclusive surprise added values, free upgrades, and extras to make sure that this excursion is your special getaway in Zanzibar.

From $155 USD

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4.0 (2 reviews)
Spice Tour Zanzibar

Spice Tour Zanzibar

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The Spice Tour is one of the most popular excursions in Zanzibar, the Spice Island. Zanzibar was one of the world’s leading producers of spices such as clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. Spice tour takes you to on organic farm with wide variety of plants around the year. This tour is a walking tour in a spice farm (shamba). While there, you shall see how the spices, herbs and fruits grow and are cultivated. Your tour guide will describe how the crops can be used. You will be smelling and tasting spices, herbs and tropical fruits such as clove, lemongrass, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, coconuts, papaya, chili, black pepper, jack fruit, cardamom, cassava and oranges. Once you are finished with the tour, we then take you back to your hotel and drop you off.

From $70 USD

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3.3 (3 reviews)
Prison Island (Quarantine Island) Tour and Snorkeling Activities in Zanzibar

Prison Island (Quarantine Island) Tour and Snorkeling Activities in Zanzibar

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This Group Tour which you can have friends and share ideas. Also we prefer for you to do snorkeling at Prison Island.

From $50 USD

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5.0 (4 reviews)
Zanzibar Spice Adventure by Imani Zuberi

Zanzibar Spice Adventure by Imani Zuberi

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is the turning point among things to do in Zanzibar. Booking to this tour will guarantee you the best quality services at affordable prices. You will get access to a reliable tour guide who can give you a rich knowledge about spices and their medicinal values. The tour is flexible enough to meet your needs and take you beyond your expectations. Try me today!

From $72 USD

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4.6 (14 reviews)
3 days Safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Manyara from Zanzibar

3 days Safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Manyara from Zanzibar

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This unforgettable 3 days Tanzanian safari will take you to the most spectacular wildlife national parks in Africa. One is Ngorongoro Crater where there are highest concentrations of game in Africa. Here you will witness an amazing spectacle of African wildlife – inside a self-contained world teeming with animals. The tour will further take you to Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks.

From $1250 USD

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4.3 (6 reviews)
Half-Day Private Spice Tour in Kizimbani Farms, Zanzibar

Half-Day Private Spice Tour in Kizimbani Farms, Zanzibar

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Spice up your life in Zanzibar: For those interested in culture and history, no trip to Zanzibar would be complete without a tour of a traditional spice farm. Over the years Zanzibar has been one of the largest exporters of cloves and other spices and has been used as a welcome stop over for the many merchants exploiting the trade winds on route to India.

From $85 USD

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